After a lackluster 2018, Kingzone DragonX may be losing several key members of the team. According to a report by Inven Global, Han “Peanut” Wang-ho, Kim “PraY” Jong-in, and Kang “GorillA” Beom-hyeon will be leaving the team.
[Sources] Kingzone DragonX All-in to Keep Bdd in the Team… Peanut, PraY, GorillA Likely to Leave
@KINGZONEDX @Bdd990301 https://t.co/HSS2dZaG4L— Inven Global (@InvenGlobal) November 12, 2018
Kingzone DragonX may have entered the LCK in 2018, but the roster is full of veteran talent. Beforehand, the lineup would be a part of Longzhu Gaming. However, they would only find success in their final year under the brand. Longzhu would manage to win the Summer Split championship in 2017. Unfortunately, the team would lose in the quarterfinals against then-Samsung Galaxy. It was a disappointing end to a great run by a talented team.
A Less-Than-Stellar 2018 for Kingzone DragonX
In their first year under the Kingzone DragonX banner, they would make a big splash. The team would keep their LCK winning ways, by taking home the Spring Split championship. However, the team would fall flat at an international event once again, losing to China’s RNG in the Finals of the Mid-Season Invitational. The team would regress heading into the summer, finishing in third place for the regular season. Afterward, they would lose to the surging Afreeca Freecs in the quarterfinals.
Their season would eventually end after another loss, this time at the Korean Regional Qualifiers. 2017 World Champions Gen.G would sweep them in order to qualify for Worlds 2018. It was a result that many Kingzone DragonX fans were all too familiar with. However, there wasn’t much to explain for the reasons why. Most of the star power on the team was underperforming during 2018. Peanut and PraY could not find much success during the year, especially in the summer. In fact, many teams found difficulties when the meta made a drastic change in the bottom lane.
Looking Forward
It is still a very surprising decision by Kingzone DragonX to let all three of their stars walk in this coming offseason. Of course, the organization could find new talent, but Peanut, PraY, and GorillA are all proven stars. Although they did have an off year, that does not discount their skill as a player. Peanut and PraY still have massive upsides to their abilities, and will probably find a team pretty quickly. PraY and GorillA are usually a package deal, but this could be the year that the famous Korean duo separates.
As for Kingzone DragonX, they are reportedly all-in on keeping mid laner Gwak “Bdd” Bo-seong. The 19-year-old would play pretty well for the team, ever since the Longzhu Gaming days. His potential is very high, and so it makes sense that Kingzone DragonX will want to build around him. Additionally, Kim “Khan” Dong-ha was another bright spot for the roster during 2018. Even in defeat, he would be a bright spot on the Kingzone DragonX squad. His numbers were all very consistent and were keeping up with some of the best in the league. Khan has shown plenty of promise in order to keep her around for the next season.
The only problem now is which players should the team pick up to create a champion? Should they try to pick up new, up and coming talent? Or should they sign some of the proven players that are testing free agency? Only time will tell when the offseason frenzy begins!
What are your thoughts on Kingzone DragonX losing Peanut, PraY, and GorillA? Let us know what you think in the comments below! If you want more LCK coverage, check us out here!
